Sump pumps can play a vital role in maintaining the security and safety of your house and family within it. If your home is threatened by flooding or any water damage, it is imperative that you have a quality sump pump. If water damage does occur, there is a high chance that mildew and mold will start to spore, which can lead serious health hazards. Having a sump pump is one thing, while sump pump maintenance is another. It is recommended that you perform regular sump pump maintenance in order to keep it running in tip-top shape.

Sump pumps, like all equipment, require routine check ups to ensure they are working properly. This will also extend the life span of the sump pump.

There have been cases of sump pump requiring a last minute repairs during a storm or power outage. In order to prevent these emergency's repairs, regular sump pump maintenance is advised. It is also critical to have a backup sump pump system in times of an emergency.

How often should I conduct sump pump maintenance?

Sump pump maintenance depends on the particular model you own or purchase. All pumps come with manufacturer's specifications, detailing:

the parts that should be should be checked,
how it should be check, and
when it should be check.

Following these guidelines is essential. Sump pump maintenance should happen NO LESS than once an year. Some manufacturers specify as much as every other month. Generally though, most manufacturers recommend quarterly maintenance. If nothing else, check to ensure your pump is working before winter.

Testing Your Sump Pump

Testing your sump pump is as simple as 1, 2, 3. Peform the following steps to ensure your sump pump is working properly:

Check that your sump pump will turn on and that it has adequet power.
Fill the sump pump pit with enough water and turn on the pump.
Check outside your home to make sure the water is flowing freely out of the drainage line.

How to Clean and Check Your Sump Pump

If your sump pump did not work properly after you tested it, try cleaning and checking it. Then run the test again.

Here are a few tips on how to clean and check your sump pump:

Run distilled vinegar through the unit to be certain it is operating correctly (similar to the way your coffee maker is cleaned).
Purge any particles and sludge build-up.
Make sure you step outdoors and check the drainage line, also. If the temperatures are below freezing, you might have a frozen sump pump line which will block any water from flowing.
Inspect the sump pump float switch to ensure that it can move freely without any tangles in the line. The float is the most critical part of a sump pump as it triggers it to turn on when water rises.
Ensure every air port and vent is not blocked.
Listen to the motor for any weird noises.
Remove any oil in the sump pit (if there is oil, it might be from a faulty seal)

If your sump pump has sever problems, consider getting it professionally repaired or purchasing a new one.

Sump pump maintenance for a backup system should be performed at least once every two years with the addition of a new battery.

When routine sump pump maintenance is performed consistently, your unit will last longer and is less likely to break, keeping your basement dry.